What is the brown algae in my aquarium?
Diatoms, or brown slime algae, often occur in newly established aquariums, and subside after a few months. These fast growing algae can be caused by a disturbance to the aquarium, silicates supplied with top-off water or newly mixed salt water can stimulate blooms. Some easy ways to control the growth of diatoms include: increased water flow to prevent the growth, fish and invertibrae that will disturb the substrate. How do I control Red Slime algae? Red slime algae, or cyanobacteria, is caused by an excess of dissolved organics in the aquarium. This bacteria can easily be controlled in the aquarium by manual removal by hand or siphon, increased water flow to help prevent the growth, and a few “over the counter” treatments that we stock. Protein Skimmers will remove such Organic Material, rinse frozen foods and stop feeding flake. Granular Activated Carbon (GAC or charcoal) will also aid in the removal of Organic Waste.
